The NRG Oncology Podcast

JAMA Editor in Cheif, Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo discusses JAMA and the JAMA Network and the process for selection and publication of manuscripts.

We take a look at the barriers faced by smaller institutions and rural institutions with Dr. Naoto Ueno of the University of Hawaii in a two-episode series on small vs. larger institution challenges.

Today for Veteran's Day, we discuss the NRG Veteran Affairs and Military Treatment Facility Subcommittee and NCTN trials in the VA system with Subcommittee Chair, Dr. Vlad Sandulache.

For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we discuss the recently activated NRG-GI011 "LAP100" study for locally advanced pancreas cancer with study PI, Dr. Sanford.

Drs. Chun and Henke interview NRG NCORP PI, Dr. Deborah Bruner on the ins-and-outs of the NCI National Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) as well as her trailblazing career thus far.

This episode, our co-hosts discuss the ASTRO late-breaking abstracts that were reported at the ASTRO 2025 annual meeting. Dr. Movsas discusses the quality of life results of NRG-LU005 and Dr. Mehta discusses the proton arm of NRG-BN001. Dr. Steven Frank takes a deeper look at proton implications through the NRG results that were presented at ASTRO.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a correction to Dr. Movsas’ institution as mentioned in the podcast in error. Dr. Movsas’ institution is Henry Ford Health.

NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts sit with ASTRO President, Dr. Sameer Keole as well as ASTRO Plenary NRG research presenters, Dr. Shannon MacDonald (RadComp) and Dr. Rodney Ellis (NRG-GU005) to discuss results that were reported.

Our co-hosts discuss NRG-GU006 with Dr. Daniel Spratt. The results of NRG-GU006, a phase II clinical study in recurrent prostate cancer, were presented as a part of the 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting Clinical Trials Session.

Our co-hosts sit with Dr. El-Deiry for his take on the current state of precision oncology, clinical research, and industry collaborations.

We interview Dr. Steven Waggoner on the NRG Oncology Ancillary Projects Committee (APC) and the conduct of ancillary projects.

We interview Dr. Erin Gillespie, PI of the NRG-CC014 "PREEMPT" study comparing radiation therapy to usual therapy for patients with high-risk bone metastases that are not causing pain.

We interview NRG Deputy Director of Membership and Research Integrity, Dr. David Miller, on the ins-and-outs of NRG Membership and the NRG Membership Committee.

We interview Dr. Jeff Bradley, the now Immediate Past Chair of the NRG Lung Cancer Committee regarding the past, present, and future of lung cancer in NRG as well as the importance of mentorship for our future research.

Dr. Ted Hong discusses the NRG-GI003 study comparing proton versus photons for hepatocellular carcinoma.

NRG Oncology Podcast Co-hosts sit with Dr. Edward Tanner, the Principal Investigator of the NRG-CC010 trial assessing the impact of sentinel lymph node mapping on patient-reported lower extremity limb dysfunction in endometrial cancer.

We discuss the results of NRG-NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 in breast cancer, reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Our co-hosts discuss triple-negative breast cancer in light of the recently presented results at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. We interview Dr. Vicente Valero, the NRG-BR003 PI, and Dr. Julie Gralow, the Chief Medical Officer of ASCO about these findings and current research in breast cancer.

The NRG Oncology Podcast Co-hosts sit with NRG Oncology Patient Advocate, Tambre Leighn, to discuss what our patient advocates do in the process of our clinical trials from concept to reporting results. Tambre dives into the benefits of a great patient-physician relationship in building stronger trials as well as the need to tailor our trials around our patients' needs. Tambre also talks about the specific training advocates are encouraged to go through to help learn more about the clinical research process.

NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts talk with Dr. Vinai Gondi, the Principal Investigator of the NRG-CC009 phase III clinical study assessing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) versus hippocampal-avoidant whole brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) for patients who have brain metastases (or cancer that has spread to the brain) from their small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Our co-hosts sit with Drs. Ross Abrams and Karyn Goodman to discuss the results of NRG-RTOG 0848 studying adjuvant chemotherapy with or without chemoradiation for patients with resected periampullary pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

The NRG Oncology Podcast Co-hosts interview Dr. Clifford Hudis - the CEO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on how ASCO and the NCTN collaborate, the cost and complexity of conducting research, as well as how to take action and advocate for research.

Our co-hosts discuss the currently active & accruing NRG-GI008 study, also known as the "CIRCULATE-NORTH AMERICA" study. This study will evaluate what kind of chemotherapy to recommend to patients based on the presence or absences of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery for colon cancer.

Our co-hosts discuss the currently active & accruing NRG-GU012 study, also known as the "SAMURAI" study. This study is assessing if stereotactic ablative radiotherapy to the primary tumor in combination with immunotherapy improves outcomes when compared to immunotherapy by itself for patients who have metastatic, unresected, renal cell carcinoma.

Our Co-Hosts interview George Blasing of the popular "Dinosaur George" podcast. If you have listened to our prior episodes, George's podcast was the inspiration for the NRG Oncology Podcast in his ability to break down very complex topics to a generalized audience. In this episode, George discusses how he tackles simplifying complex topics and how it can translate into the medical field. Additionally, he discusses his own experiences as a kidney cancer survivor and his good and bad experiences with his oncologists during his treatment.

We met with Drs. Mannel and Le, so now it is high-time we sit with Dr. Norman Wolmark to complete the NRG Oncology Group Chair trifecta. Dr. Wolmark dives into the NRG budget and grant process and priorities as well as advancements seen in breast cancer research over the years and the role NRG and NSABP play in that.

The NRG Oncology Podcast Co-hosts sit with NRG-BR008 "HERO" Study Co-PIs Dr. Lior Braunstein and Dr. Melissa Mitchell to discuss this study for low-risk HER2+ breast cancer. This study will test if HER2-targeted therapy without radiation therapy is as good as the usual treatment of HER2-targeted therapy with radiation for patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer.

As a special part of the NRG2025 Winter Meeting, we are releasing this two-part interview episode. Our co-hosts sat with Dr. Jeff Michalski, NRG Theranostics Subcommittee Chair, regarding the new subcommittee, its goals, and how it fits into the NRG structure. Additionally, we talk to Dr. Joan Walker who recently stepped down from her role as NRG NCORP Co-PI to focus her efforts in mentorship within NRG. She explains the NRG Health Equity Fellowship Program and how this program was envisioned.

Resources:

ASTRO AU Guide

https://www.astro.org/blog...

The NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts interview Dr. Anuja Jhingran to discuss the results of NRG-RTOG/GOG 0724 for cervical cancer in honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Our NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts interview Dr. Corey Langer on the ins-and-outs of medical oncology, the NRG Oncology Medical Oncology Committee, the evolution of lung cancer trials, and having conversations with patients regarding treatment.

The NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts sit with Dr. Anna Brown to discuss the many ways to collaborate with the American Medical Association (AMA), policy and advocacy in action on the Hill, and addressing clinical trial barriers.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this podcast are reflective of Dr. Brown's experiences in nationally elected roles with the AMA but do not represent official opinions of the American Medical Association.

RESOURCES:

AMA's Website for Fixing Prior Authorization https://fixpriorauth.org/

Drs. Chun and Henke sit down with Dr. Stephen Lai, the NRG Oncology Surgical Oncology Committee Chair and the PI of the NRG-HN006 study of sentinel lymph node biopsy for early stage oral cavity disease. Dr. Lai addresses how surgical oncology fits within the NRG spectrum, his very important study that is actively enrolling patients, and his advocacy and passion for improving patient language on protocol documents.

Our co-hosts interview Drs. Kristin Higgins and Dr. Sue Yom on the results of NRG-LU005 (chemo +/- atezo in limited-stage small cell lung cancer) and NRG-HN005 (de-intensified RT for Early-stage p16+ oropharyngeal cancer) presented during the 2024 ASTRO Plenary Session.

The NRG Oncology Podcast Co-hosts interview Group Chair Robert Mannel on ongoing efforts in gynecologic oncology research, a timely episode to be issued during Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month! Dr. Mannel also touches base on the health disparities in gynecologic oncology as well as advice for early career investigators.

The NRG Podcast co-hosts interview Dr. Puneeth Iyengar on the recently presented NRG-LU002 results from ASCO 2024. NRG-LU002 studies maintenance systemic therapy versus local consolidative therapy plus maintenance systemic therapy for patients with limited-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Quynh-Thu Le, one of the NRG Oncology Group Chairs, discusses the ins-and-outs and current goals of the organization.